Estimated Mean Willingness To Pay Research Articles

On ferry users’ willingness to pay for improving environmental quality: A case study for the Canary Islands

This study, using a contingent valuation framework, provides an initial assessment of the environmental benefits derived from the hypothetical adoption of a low-carbon fuel path, and onshore power supply, by the ferry sector in the Canary Islands in compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Initiative. To this end, a sample of 502 respondents was asked about their willingness to pay (WTP) for the increase in their well-being resulting from improvements in air quality and noise pollution. Special attention was paid to the problem of zero responses and the possible presence of self-selection due to protest responses. The results show that about 75% of the respondents expressed their WTP extra for a single ferry ticket between the most populated cities in the archipelago, with an estimated mean WTP of €13.12. This would represent a 33% increase in current ferry tickets. Aggregating the mean WTP across the population affected, has resulted in a conservative estimate of the total benefits derived from this policy of €65.9 million over a 30-year horizon time, and €94.2 million over a longer horizon time (100 years). In short, this study aims to fill an existing research gap while providing a quantitative basis for decision-making in densely populated port cities connected by ferry.

ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLDS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR THE PROVISION OF PDAM TIRTA RAHARJA’S PIPE CONNECTION USING CONTINGENT VALUATION METHOD

Gandasari is one of the villages in Katapang Sub District, Bandung Regency. Most people in Gandasari Village use groundwater as their main water source to fulfill their needs of water. Groundwater in Gandasari Village has bad quality and quantity. Hence, the provision of a safe water supply is needed in Gandasari Village. On the other hand, Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM) Tirta Raharja is developing their House Connection (SR) in Gandasari Village RW 5,6,7,9, and 11. Provision and management of water supply required to achieve full cost recovery. Therefore, it is necessary to know the willingness to pay (WTP) value for the provision of PDAM’s pipe connection. This study aimed to determine households’ WTP for the provision of piped water service and identify the factors affecting it. The WTP was estimated through questionnaires collected from 89 households in Gandasari Village using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and bidding games technique. Based on the questionnaire result, the Estimated Mean WTP (EWTP) value of WTP for installation fee is Rp961.798 and Total WTP is Rp735.775.281. Meanwhile the EWTP value of WTP for retribution fee is Rp51.180/month and TWTP is Rp39.152.528. Factors affecting the value of WTP for installation fee is household size and average income, meanwhile for retribution fee WTP value average income was the affecting factor. Provision of communal well is recommended for households who cannot afford to pay for PDAM.

Willingness to Pay for the Protection and Conservation of Forest Ecosystems in the Abra River Basin, Philippines

The forest ecosystems of the Abra River basin, Philippines, provide various ecosystem goods and services that are important to the wellbeing of its residents. This study used the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of local residents for the protection and conservation of forest ecosystems within the basin. A total of 368 households were involved in the survey. The result showed that 78.26% of the respondents were willing to pay for forest protection and conservation activities. The estimated mean WTP (MWTP) using binary logistic regression is PhP 5.13/month/household. The MWTP was significantly influenced by marital status and bid amount. Further, the respondents showed awareness of the various goods and services provided by forest ecosystems, especially provisioning services.

Valuation of salinity-free drinking water in Anowara Upazilla (sub-district) under Chattogram district of Bangladesh

The current issue of high salinity in drinking water within the climate-vulnerable coastal regions of Bangladesh has become a significant cause for concern. This is due to the increasing prevalence of hypertension, diarrhea, and skin illnesses among the population residing in the southeastern coastal districts of Bangladesh. The necessity of establishing a drinking water supply system that is free from salinity for the people of the southeastern coastal region of Bangladesh is indisputable. It is crucial to assess the value of saline-free drinking water in order to provide useful information to policymakers and implementers regarding the willingness of the population to pay for such a service. The objective of this study is to estimate the Willingness To Pay (WTP) of people of Anowara Upazilla, a coastal sub-district of Chattogram district of Bangladesh for salinity-free drinking water supply. A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the value of salinity-free drinking water in Anowara Upazilla of Chattogram by using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). A Systematic sampling method was employed to survey 410 households from six salinity affected unions of Anowara with structured questionnaire. This study additionally applied binary logistic regression model to identify the significant factors that influenced the WTP of the people for receiving salinity-free drinking water. The findings of this study revealed that 69% of the surveyed population from six salinity-affected unions of Anowara was willing to get salinity-free drinking water. The estimated mean WTP for salinity-free drinking water was BDT 222.50 per month per family. The logistic regression analysis revealed that household income higher than Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 18,000 per month (p-value: 0.022), perceiving water salinity level as moderate (p-value: 0.002) by the respondent and family size with five members (p-value: 0.046) in the household were the statistically significant factors that influenced the overall WTP of the respondents. Moreover, most respondents preferred to have salinity-free drinking water supplied to their households through the piped network. The estimated aggregated WTP was BDT 6,228,887.50, which indicates that government intervention to supply salinity-free drinking water in Anowara Upazilla will be financially feasible if the project cost remains less or equal to the aggregated WTP. The findings of the study will be useful to the environmental practitioners of Bangladesh.

Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Preservation: The Case of a Proposed Hydropower Project in Southern Iceland

When decision makers use a financial approach to review the costs and benefits of new renewable energy projects, the economic value of changes in social welfare resulting from impacts on natural resources is not included in the analysis. Iceland’s policy objective for carbon neutrality by 2040 will require constructing new power plants. This study aimed to estimate the economic preservation value for the Hólmsá and Tungufljót river basins in southern Iceland using the contingent valuation method. A web-based survey of Icelandic residents was conducted between 13 November 2022 and 19 December 2022 using a stratified random sample of 2909 adults. The response rate was 46.6%, with 35.1% of respondents indicating a willingness to pay (WTP) to protect the area from hydropower development. After excluding protest voters and accounting for those with and without WTP, the estimated mean WTP equaled ISK 5515. When scaled to the adult population of Icelandic residents, that equates to a total environmental and social cost of between ISK 1.52 and 1.70 billion. Compared to the estimated levelized cost of energy for the Hólmsárvirkjun at Atley hydropower project, this aggregation equates to an estimated 5.6% markup in total project costs, excluding transmission lines. Accounting for these economic costs in decision making allows for a more holistic understanding of new energy project costs and net present benefits.

Traditional beliefs and willingness to pay for improving a mining-polluted river in Ghana

Pollution of water resources is a widespread challenge across the globe which requires effective policy measures. However, in many instances, state institutions are weak in addressing these problems. One then wonders what alternative management regimes can be used in place of public policies. This study examined the willingness to pay (WTP) for the improvement of the Ankobra River, a mining-polluted river in the Western Region of Ghana, using the contingent valuation method. Primary data was collected from 611 respondents from 8 communities in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality and were analysed using probit and interval regression models. The findings suggest that respondents were concerned about the current polluted state of the Ankobra River and traditional beliefs regarding the spiritual value of the river were still very relevant to them. Consequently, respondents with the belief that the river is an abode of gods as well as natives who believe that Ankobra River is a god were more likely to pay for the improvement of its water quality. Surprisingly, respondents who believed that the river is a god had a lower WTP. Income, natives, existence value, secondary and tertiary education also had positive significant association with WTP, older respondents were less likely to pay while respondents with bigger household sizes, and the divorced had lower WTP. The estimated mean WTP for water quality improvement of the Ankobra River is GHC 51.52 ($6.62) per annum. Local community involvement in policy decision-making regarding water resources is key.

Willingness to pay for mangrove conservation in Sembilang National Park, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Mangrove ecosystems in the Sembilang National Park (SNP), South Sumatra, Indonesia have been degraded due to various anthropogenic pressures. Therefore, mangrove conservation actions were required. One of these actions was estimating the conservation value of mangrove forests using the willingness to pay (WTP) approach. This approach played an important role in providing alternative finance sources through public engagement when conservation funds were limited. This study aimed to estimate the mean WTP and examine the factors influencing WTP for mangrove conservation in the SNP, South Sumatra, Indonesia. The data were collected using a contingent valuation method (CVM), especially double-bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC). Furthermore, the survey was conducted on 170 household respondents in three villages representing the zones of the Sembilang National Park and its surroundings. The mean WTP was estimated using non-parametric (the Kaplan-Meier-Turnbul (KMT) and Spearman-Karber (SK) models) and parametric statistics (binary logistic and bivariate probit model). The estimated mean WTP from the SK and KMT models were IDR 80,417 (5.42 USD) and IDR 65,417 (4.41 USD) per household per year, respectively. Meanwhile, the results of the binary logistic and bivariate probit model were IDR 60,596 (4.08 USD) and IDR 60,274 (4.06 USD) per household per year, respectively. The results of parametric estimation revealed that gender, household size, bid, and the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of respondents had a negative and statistically significant influence on their WTP responses. On the other hand, income significantly and positively affected WTP. In contrast, age, education, occupation, and awareness had no significant impact on WTP. These findings would help the policymakers regarding mangrove conservation and advise the importance of mangrove conservation in supporting the livelihoods of local people.

Willingness to Pay for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Vietnam: Policy Implications From a Contingent Valuation Survey

ObjectivesTo determine the willingness to pay (WTP) for the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy among the general population to provide evidence for policymakers in deciding whether to include them in the social health insurance benefit package and facilitate the pricing practice. MethodsThe conventional double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation survey was used to determine the WTP. We recruited 402 people aged 50 to 75 who came to 3 primary healthcare clinics in Hanoi from February 2019 to April 2019. The questionnaire was built based on the pilot research with a 5-bid design, that is, the starting bids of US $4.05, 6.75, 13.51, 21.01, and 36.47 for FOBT and US $21.01, 40.52, 54.03, 81.04, and 182.34 for colonoscopy. The data analysis was performed using the DCchoice package version 3.5.1. Cost in Vietnam dong is converted to 2022 US $using purchasing power parity method. ResultsA total of 7.2% of participants refused to pay for FOBT and colonoscopy. Analysis of the univariate model showed that the mean and median WTP for FOBT were US $62.08 and 45.28. The mean and median WTP for colonoscopy were US $101.61 and 78.61. When adjusting the WTP value by related factors, the mean and median WTP estimates for FOBT were almost the same. The choice of WTP for FOBT and colonoscopy was statistically associated with several variables. ConclusionsThis study supports the inclusion of FOBT and colonoscopy into the social health insurance benefits package. This study also supports policymakers in pricing practice to optimize the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening tests.

Application of the double bounded dichotomous choice model to the estimation of parent's willingness to pay for the hand foot mouth disease vaccination: A survey in Selangor, Malaysia.

Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a notifiable viral disease in Malaysia, and is transmitted primarily among young children. Although vaccines for enteroviruses 71 (EV-71) were approved in China against HFMD, the availability and the acceptance of the vaccine in the Malaysia are unknown. This study investigated and ascertained the determinants of willingness-to-pay (WTP) for HFMD vaccination in Selangor Malaysia. This study adopted a cross-sectional, contingent valuation method involving 390 parents of young children aged six and below. The double bounded dichotomous choice (DBDC) approach was employed to assess the WTP for HFMD vaccine among respondents. A bivariate probit model was used to assess the key determinants of WTP for HFMD vaccine, while the mean WTP was measured using the Krinsky and Robb procedure. We found that 279 (71.5%) of parents were willing to pay for the HFMD vaccination. The estimated single bounded mean WTP was MYR460.23 (equivalent to US$ 102.17) for two doses of HFMD vaccination. The double bounded analysis revealed that the vaccine's price, poor education background and lower income were the key factors that significantly affected the WTP, with the estimated mean WTP being MYR394.00 (US$ 87.47). In conclusion, most Malaysian parents are willing to pay for the HFMD vaccination. The estimated WTP identifies the optimal price point for HFMD vaccination in Malaysia. Furthermore, the government should focus on an awareness programme for the HFMD vaccination among parents who have lower income or education level.

Estimating the economic value of ultrafine particle information: a contingent valuation method

Global concern regarding ultrafine particles (UFPs), which are particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than 100nm, is increasing. These particles are difficult to measure using the current methods because their characteristics are different from those of other air pollutants. Therefore, a new monitoring system is required to obtain accurate UFP information, which will raise the financial burden of the government and people. In this study, we estimated the economic value of UFP information by evaluating the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for the UFP monitoring and reporting system. We used the contingent valuation method (CVM) and the one-and-one-half-bounded dichotomous choice (OOHBDC) spike model. We analyzed how the respondents' socio-economic variables, as well as their cognition level of PM, affected their WTP. Therefore, we collected WTP data of 1040 Korean respondents through an online survey. The estimated mean WTP for building a UFP monitoring and reporting system is KRW 6958.55-7222.55 (USD 6.22-6.45) per household per year. We found that people satisfied with the current air pollutant information, and generally possessing relatively greater knowledge of UFPs, have higher WTP for a UFP monitoring and reporting system. We found that people are willing to pay more than the actual installation and operating costs of current air pollution monitoring systems. If the collected UFP data is disclosed in an easily accessible manner, as is current air pollutant data, it will be possible to secure more public acceptance for expanding the UFP monitoring and reporting system nationwide.

Willingness to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine and its associated determinants in Iran.

Understanding the individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for the COVID-19 vaccine could help design policy interventions to control the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the individuals' willingness to pay (WTP) for a COVID-19 vaccine and to identify its associated determinants. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 526 Iranian adults using a web-based questionnaire. A double-bounded contingent valuation approach was used to estimate WTP for the COVID-19 vaccine. The parameters of the model were estimated based on the maximum likelihood method. A considerable proportion of participants (90.87%) were willing to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine. Based on our discrete choice model, the estimated mean WTP for a COVID-19 vaccine was US$ 60.13 (CI: 56.80-63.46; p < 0.01). Having a higher perceived risk of being contaminated with COVID-19, higher average monthly income, higher education level, pre-existence of chronic diseases, previous experience of vaccination, and belonging to higher age groups were significant determinants associated with WTP for COVID-19 vaccination. The present study indicates a relatively high WTP and acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine among the Iranian population. Average monthly income, risk perception, education level, the preexistence of chronic disease, and previous vaccination experience increased the likelihood of WTP for a vaccine. Subsidizing the COVID-19 vaccine for the low-income population and raising risk perception among the population should be considered in formulating vaccine-related interventions.

International Tourists' Willingness to Pay for A Wildlife Conservation Program: A Case Study of Northern Yellow-cheeked Gibbons in Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

Extending protected areas has enabled global species and habitat protection, especially for endangered species. In addition, understanding social preferences for species protection is essential to contribute to the biodiversity conservation efforts of protected areas. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the preferences of international tourists towards the protection of the northern yellow-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus annamensis) through a proposed wildlife conservation program in Bach Ma National Park, Central Vietnam. Data for the study was collected from a face-to-face survey of 361 randomly selected foreign tourists visiting Bach Ma National Park. By using the dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach, we estimate international tourists' willingness to pay (WTP) for the proposed conservation program of gibbons and identify elements that influence their WTP for the conservation program. We found that international tourists strongly support conserving gibbon populations in the Bach Ma. The findings from the logistic regression model in the study reveal that the respondents' bid level, education, knowledge, biodiversity conservation, climate change, and revisit variables were all significantly predictive of WTP. The estimated mean WTP amount for one-time funding of the species conservation program was US$7.83 per international tourist. The obtained results of this study suggest that policy-makers and managers of national parks should consider the significance of international visitors' support for gibbon conservation efforts when designing and developing their social strategies, programs, and policies for protecting nature and preserving biodiversity, particularly with regard to tourism segmentation in protected areas.

Are U.S. consumers willing to pay more by the lake? An analysis of preferences for Great Lakes region fish

AbstractU.S. per capita seafood consumption is historically high due to population and income growth and consumer preference shifts toward healthy protein options. Despite this expansion, U.S. fisheries, especially those in the Great Lakes region, no longer fulfill domestic demand due to pressure on fish stocks and regulatory constraints. Instead, aquaculture and imports fill the gap. Rainbow trout, yellow perch, and walleye—three species historically produced in the North Central Region (NCR)—exemplify such trends. To expand marketing opportunities for NCR aquaculture producers, this study estimates willingness to pay (WTP) for these species and several search and credence fish attributes. We designed and distributed a survey instrument to collect hypothetical choice experiment responses from U.S. seafood consumers. Using a random utility framework, we estimate mean total WTP for trout, yellow perch, and walleye of $19.99/lb., $15.89/lb., and $17.37/lb., respectively. Further, we identify average price premia of $1.64/lb., $1.97/lb., and $0.84/lb. for NCR-sourced, wild-caught, and fresh fillet attributes. Our analysis also captures regional preferences. Mean WTP estimates for yellow perch and walleye, which are native to the Great Lakes, are significantly higher inside the NCR. Further, trout commands a higher premium outside the NCR than within, suggesting potential market segmentation for the analyzed species.

Willingness to Pay of Domestic Water Users for Improved Conservation of Mt. Banahaw de Lucban Watershed, Quezon, Philippines

Many ecosystem services (ES) are provided by watersheds to downstream populations at no cost to them. To ensure sustainability, those who benefit from these services should be engaged in the protection and management of the watershed. The Mt. Banahaw de Lucban (MBdL) provides non-market values that are not considered in management planning; thus, the underestimation of its ES adversely affects its provisioning capabilities. Adding to this shortcoming is the insufficiency of funds to sustain the current watershed conservation initiatives. This study assesses the value that domestic water users have for sustained water supply resulting from the improved conservation of the MBdL watershed through contingent valuation. The willingness to pay (WTP) of 500 respondents from Lucban, Pagbilao, and Lucena City was estimated using logit regression to develop the model. Results revealed that 95% of the respondents voted yes to the referendum and that about 65% support the improved watershed conservation program. Bid amounts, years of education, household size, occupation, and income have a significant influence on WTP. The mean WTP estimate is PHP 71.53/household/mo. The approximate present amount of improved MBdL conservation is PHP 21.50M/yr. The net present value is estimated at PHP 76 M for five years. The potential fund, if collected, may contribute to the sustainability of any watershed conservation program for MBdL.

Estimating residents' WTP for ecosystem services improvement in a payments for ecosystem services (PES) program: A choice experiment approach

Conservation programs help mitigate the detrimental effects on ecosystems and ecosystem services (ES). However, continuous financial support is essential for their sustainability. Therefore, sustainable financing mechanisms such as Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) are developed. Nevertheless, assessing whether substantial support could be obtained from stakeholders is critical in establishing a PES. This study evaluated the feasibility of establishing a PES by estimating the potential community benefits from ES improvement using a choice modeling approach.The study surveyed 1560 residents of South Carolina to elicit their monthly willingness-to-pay (WTP) for ES improvement. The findings revealed varying WTP estimates depending on the type of intervention, regional location of the residences, and priority ES for improvement. In terms of water quality improvement, the estimated mean WTP ranged from $0 to $3.00. On the other hand, for wildlife habitat improvement, the mean WTP ranged from $0 to $6.39. Finally, for an increase in water supply, only residents from the Upstate region indicated that they are willing with a mean WTP of $0.31. Overall, the community benefits are estimated to reach $4.6 million to $6.2 million monthly, showing that PES is a promising program that could provide a substantial source to support conservation programs.

The relative performance of ex‐ante and ex‐post measures to mitigate hypothetical and strategic bias in a stated preference study

AbstractBias related to the hypothetical setting remains controversial regarding the reliability and validity of value estimates from discrete choice experiments (DCEs). This has motivated a large body of literature to investigate approaches for mitigating hypothetical and strategic bias. Our study provides further evidence to inform this debate by testing whether a combination of ex‐ante or ex‐post mitigation strategies might be effective in reducing bias in DCEs. Specifically, we employ individual and multiple ex‐ante reminders alongside an ex‐post data treatment and analyse how their individual or joint use affects willingness to pay (WTP) estimates. The econometric analysis makes use of innovative semi‐parametric logit‐mixed logit in addition to the state‐of‐the‐art mixed logit model. The empirical case study focuses on preferences for the environmental and social impacts of organic olive production. By comparing the three experimental treatments with a control treatment, we test whether ex‐ante cheap talk, a reminder of the project's relative spatial extent, or a combination of both affect stated WTP. In addition, we use an ex‐post data treatment to correct WTP estimates. WTP estimates of treatments related to ex‐ante mitigation strategies did not differ significantly from those obtained from a control treatment with standard budget constraint reminders. However, the ex‐post approach results in a significant reduction in mean WTP estimates and is used to investigate whether the observed choice inconsistencies are due to unintentional errors or strategic behaviour. We argue that ex‐post mechanisms deserve greater attention and highlight the need to distinguish strategic behaviour from other sources of hypothetical bias.

Poultry producer's willingness to invest in on-farm carcass disposal

Foreign animal diseases (FAD) can cause substantial economic losses in production, consumption, and the supply chain. These diseases are typically highly pathogenic and lead to disruptions in normal business practices and to demands for higher investment in biosecurity practices. For poultry producers this can lead to changes in bird pick-ups, chick placements, and length of out time on farms as well as changes in day-to-day operations. When an FAD is reported, poultry producers that rely on off-premises carcass disposal (e.g., renderers or landfills) may be required to develop on-farm disposal capacity (e.g., incinerators or burial) rapidly if their operation falls within movement restriction zones. While preemptive planning is suggested, not all producers have an environmentally approved plan given disruptions in business continuity. This study estimated poultry producers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for on-farm carcass disposal methods for routine, non-catastrophic mortality during an FAD outbreak to understand what factors contribute to the investment decision. Poultry producers were surveyed about their operations’ characteristics, their disease perceptions, and were presented with a hypothetical disease scenario. The estimated mean WTP for additional disposal capacity was $15,651. Besides indicating that a market for on-farm carcass disposal exists, our findings also provide information that can be used when creating policy to simultaneously incentivize farm-level biosecurity and carcass disposal protocols while continuing to encourage disease reporting, which together, improves overall livestock disease management in the United States.

Economic evaluation of process utility: elucidating preferences for a non-invasive procedure to treat restenosis

BackgroundIn health economic evaluation, utility associated with a health state is outcome-oriented and usually measured using the QALY methodology. Even though there is consistent evidence of utility not only being derived from outcomes but also from procedures, process utility has not been fully integrated in QALY calculations. The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to provide evidence of process utility associated with an alternative treatment to angioplasty, and second, to estimate a monetary value of such process utility using the willingness to pay (WTP) approach.MethodsA total of 1514 people were polled on their WTP to avoid angioplasty to have a drug-eluting stent (DES) implanted. WTP is estimated with a contingent valuation (CV) survey. Individuals are also asked if they would be WTP for a non-invasive procedure with similar results being achieved. WTP responses were analyzed using a double bounded (DB) logit model.ResultsMost of the participants showed positive preferences for avoiding angioplasty, with an estimated mean WTP of €5692.87. Using QALY gains for avoiding angioplasty, varying from 0.0035 to 0.08 QALYs, our WTP estimate imply monetary values per QALY that range from €71,160.87 to €1,626,534.28.DiscussionA WTP of €5692.87 to avoid angioplasty imply a monetary value per QALY that greatly exceed the cost per QALY thresholds established in different countries to consider health programs as beneficial to society. Our results reflect how different methodologies for HTA may lead to different conclusions. From the ICER perspective, the cost that would make the treatment with pills option cost-effective, using a threshold of €40,000/QALY, would be €224. However, a cost-benefit approach could support health programs even with a higher cost.ConclusionWTP methodology captures outcome and process factors related to angioplasty as our WTP estimations are non-significantly different for the costs of angioplasty. WTP approach must be considered as a genuine alternative to QALY approaches to value process utility.

Partial attribute attendance in environmental choice experiments: A comparative case study between Guangzhou (China) and Brussels (Belgium)

Attribute non-attendance (ANA) in discrete choice experiment (DCE) exercises has attracted increasing, yet limited, scholarly attention. This paper attempts to investigate ANA in a comparative case study, with a focus on its patterns and their association with socioeconomic, behavioral and perceptual factors, as well as its impacts on willingness-to-pay (WTP) estimates. We deploy a four-level polytomous scale (always, often, seldom, and never considered) for respondents to state their various degrees of attribute attendance (SANA) in an identical DCE questionnaire about urban river restoration initiatives in two global cities with contrast socioeconomic contexts, yet similar request for restoring polluted and modified urban rivers, Guangzhou (south China) and Brussels (Belgium). The survey results reveal the existence of large proportions of partial attendance in two sampled cities. We use an extended mixed logit model, which incorporates separate parameters delineating each attribute's different attendance groups, to estimate respondents' average WTP values. We find that accounting for SANA could improve the goodness-of-fit of the model and affect the magnitude of mean WTP estimates. Respondents' attribute attendance level pertaining to various attributes is mainly associated with their perceived importance of urban rivers' ecosystem services, but may not be necessarily correlated with the strength of their preference for corresponding attributes as indicated by the mean WTP estimates. Whether this discontinuity between respondents' stated ANA levels and WTP estimates within Guangzhou sample questions the ability of DCEs to generate unbiased welfare estimation and policy guidance in developing countries calls for further studies.

Examining the willingness-to-pay for exclusive use of LPG for cooking among rural households in India

Using unique household-level data from rural areas of six energy-access-deprived states in India, we examine the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for exclusive use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. We find that awareness about LPG's health benefits and diffusion of LPG within the community are the strongest determinants of WTP for exclusive use of LPG. Among demographic characteristics, only household size is correlated with WTP. Importantly, households exhibit significant price elasticity with regards to exclusive use of LPG. Households with irregular cash flows are less likely to pay for exclusive use of LPG. We find limited evidence supporting a negative association between availability of free biomass and the WTP for exclusive use of LPG. In contrast, higher household expenditure on purchased biomass is positively associated with WTP. Our estimates of mean WTP suggest that they are higher than the current effective monthly cost of subsidized LPG across households. However, they mask variation, and disaggregated estimates suggest that about 40–45 per cent of the households not using LPG as their primary fuel have a lower WTP than the current effective monthly cost of subsidized LPG and hence would need additional support to enable their cooking energy transition.